What is a Structure?
When any body is subjected to a system of loads and deformation takes place and the resistance is set up against the deformation, then, the body is known as structure. The structure are means of transferring forces and moments. The structures may be classified as statistically determinate structures and statistically indeterminate structures. When the equations of statistics are enough to determine all the forces acting on the structures, in the structures, then, the structures are known as statistically determinate structures.
When the equations of statistical equilibrium are not sufficient to determine all forces acting on the structure and in the structures, then the structures are known as Statistically Indeterminate Structures. The equations of consistent deformations are added to the equations of equilibrium inorder to analyse the Statistically Indeterminate Structures.
Classification of Structures
The structures are categorised by their supporting systems. There are one dimensional, two dimensional and three dimensional supporting systems.
- When a supporting system is subjected to only one type of stresses, then, it is known as basic system.
- When a system is subjected to simultaneously several types of stresses, then it is known as mixed system.